BUIES CREEK— Ledford holds a three-shot edge over Raleigh Cardinal Gibbons after Monday’s first round of the 21st annual North Carolina High School Athletic Association state 2-A men’s golf championships at Keith Hills Country Club.

Ledford fired a 299 and is seeking to repeat as state 2-A champion. The Panthers have not been lower than fourth in the state tournament since 2003. Cardinal Gibbons is in second palce at 302, with West Henderson just five shots back. East Davidson is fourth at 309.

The best four of six individual scores count toward the team total.

In the individual standings, Kenny Bethea of North Lincoln and Ryan Lavelle of Cardinal Gibbons each recorded one-under 71’s on the 6,500-yard layout to hold the edge in a tightly bunched field. There are 13 golfers within four shots of the lead.

West Henderson’s Mark Garrison had an even-par 72, good for third place, and a quarter of golfers are tied at 73.

Prior to 1986, all NCHSAA schools competed for a single title in an open tournament. Play went to three classifications in 1986 and then to four classes beginning with the 1998 tournaments.

A total of 84 golfers began play in the two-day tournament. Action will resume at eight o’clock on Tuesday morning.

Wendy’s and the Carolinas Ford Dealers are the presenting sponsors of the NCHSAA sports program.

NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

21st ANNUAL STATE 2-A MEN’S GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

Keith Hills Country Club, Buies Creek

Par 72, 6,350 yards

TEAM STANDINGS AFTER FIRST DAY

1. Ledford 299

2. Raleigh Cardinal Gibbons 302

3. West Henderson 304

4. East Davidson 309

5. Salisbury 315

6. Reidsville 316

East Bend Forbush 316

8. South Brunswick 318

9. Mayodan Dalton McMichael 320

10. Richlands 321

11. East Duplin 323

12. North Surry 325

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS – 18 HOLES

1. Kenny Bethea, North Lincoln 71

Ryan Lavelle, Raleigh Cardinal Gibbons 71

3. Mark Garrison, West Henderson 72

4. Lance Wheeler, Claremont Bunker Hill 73

Rob Fogleman, Raleigh Cardinal Gibbons 73

Johnny Kyger, Salisbury 73

John Collins, Salisbury 73

8. Jeff Boyan, Ledford 74

Bradley Cline, East Davidson 74

Danny Dippel, West Henderson 74

11. Brad Lake, Eastern Guilford 75

Dustin Chance,Orange 75

Nick Goins, Ledford 75

14. Joshua Hudgins, West Stokes 76

Brandon Wright, Raleigh Cardinal Gibbons76